HOW ARE MIGRAINES TREATED?
There are two ways in which migraines are treated with medication:
These treatments help to prevent the migraine before it starts and they are appropriate for people who suffer from frequent migraines. These medicines need to be taken regularly, usually every day.
These treatments are taken to help stop the migraine after it has started. Very often, these types of treatments work best if they are taken as soon as possible after the migraine has started. Some other treatments that might help include acupuncture, massage, relaxation therapy and biofeedback to help reduce stress levels.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to
find out which treatment is best for you.
IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO AVOID A MIGRAINE?
Apart from taking medication, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the chances of having a migraine.
1. Keep a migraine diary and avoid things that trigger your migraine. When you get a migraine, write down what you were doing, foods you were eating and what the environment was like (e.g. bright lights) before the headache started. This will assist you to identify anything that might trigger your migraines and help you to avoid them in the future.
2. Try to control your stress levels. If you need to, get some advice about relaxation techniques.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Eat a healthy diet and avoid too much junk food, salt, alcohol and caffeine.
5. Do not miss meals.
6. Try to get enough sleep and go to bed and rise at the same time each day.